East Carolina University
Department of Computer Science

CSCI 1010/1011
Algorithmic Problem solving
Standard Syllabus

Catalog entry

3 lecture and 2 lab hours per week. P: Appropriate score on math section of the SAT/ACT or MATH 1065 or CSCI 1000; C: CSCI 1011. Design of algorithms and their implementation as programs in a high-level programming language such as Java.

Course summary

This is a course on computer programming and algorithmic problem solving. No prior programming experience is required, but students with weak mathematical backgrounds are strongly encouraged to take CSCI 1000/1003 before taking CSCI 1010/1011.

The objective is to develop a solid foundation in computer programming knowledge and skills.

Currently, this course uses Java as the programming language. But this is not a course on using tools or on any particular programming language. We will discuss tools and language issues as they are needed, but they are not the focus. The focus is problem solving and programming.

Course topics

• Values and expressions. Types. Variables and assignment.
• Control structures. Sequencing, choice and loops. Algorithm design using sequencing, choice and loops.
• Functions (methods). Defining new functions. Understanding and explaining functions.
• Hand simulation.
• Input and output. Working with files.
• Designing and implementing programs. Top-down design. Successive refinement.
• Arrays. Strings. Algorithms using arrays and strings.
• Issues on efficiency of algorithms.
• Objects. Creating and using objects from the library.
• Assorted case studies and examples.

Student learning outcomes

• The student will be able to write small-scale computer programs that work in accordance with specified requirements,
• The student will be able to employ a variety or programming techniques, including conditionals, loops, arrays and breaking a program into methods.
• The student will be able to carry out accurate hand simulations of code.
• The student will be prepared for further study of advanced topics including data structures and organization and creation of larger pieces of software.

Textbook

Grading

Grading is on the basis of weekly or biweekly quizzes, a comprehensive final examination, approximately twelve programming assignments and attendance. Quizzes count for a total of 36% of the grade, the final exam for 20%, the programming assignments for 34% and attendance for 10%.

Grade meanings